Nursing (BSN)
Discover a degree that helps you change lives.
When you’re passionate about helping people, you need a career that allows you to make a difference. The bachelor of science in Nursing (BSN) at York College prepares future nurses to do just that.
Our Nursing degree program gives students access to a state-of-the-art simulation lab and professional equipment, as well as faculty who take a vested interest in their success. BSN majors gain hands-on experience during clinicals, working with our healthcare partner organizations across the region, including local hospitals and medical centers.
Whether you’re interested in providing surgical care or mental health support, working in a family practice or a fast-paced hospital environment — or anything in between — a BSN degree offers the experience and credentials you’ll need to thrive.
Majoring in Nursing
Nursing Courses
Nursing students take a range of science, nursing, and general education classes. Your course selections may include:
- BIO 220/221: Human Anatomy and Physiology
- CHM 122/123: Principles of General and Organic Chemistry
- NUR 203: Pharmacology for Nurses
- NUR 314: Research and Professional Nursing Practice
- NUR 358/359: Nursing Concepts and Practice: Children with Health Problems
- NUR 430/431: Medical/Surgical Nursing III: Adults with Acute Health Problems
- NUR 450/451: Nursing Practicum
- NUR 460: Leadership in Professional Nursing
Depending on your previous experience and educational history, your path to the BSN degree may also come through either the RN to BSN program or the Pre-Nursing designation.
RN to BSN
- Affordable part-time or full-time
- Classes held virtually
- Up to 56 credits granted for a valid nursing license
- No challenge exams required
- Up to 75 transfer credits accepted from AD programs or
- Unlimited credits accepted from baccalaureate programs
- Academic advising available by email, telephone, or in person
Pre-Nursing
If you don’t yet meet all of the criteria for admission into the Nursing major, you may still have the option to enroll as a Pre-Nursing student.
Transferring into the B.S.N.
A limited number of transfer students may be accepted into the BSN program each semester. Applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. While York College offers rolling admissions, Nursing transfer applicants are encouraged to submit their application and deposit by January 1 for the spring semester due to limited space in the program.
Transfer Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA from previous coursework
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in all science courses
Nursing Student Handbook
For academic policies, department procedures, clinical requirements, and uniform information, see our Nursing Student Handbook. The handbook applies to all baccalaureate nursing students at York College of Pennsylvania. It serves as a guide to established policies and practices of The Stabler Department of Nursing and is used in conjunction with the College Catalog and the College Student Handbook.
Nursing Specialties and Career Opportunities
Nursing majors have diverse opportunities and job titles. As a graduate of York College’s Nursing program, you may:
- Provide patient care for infants, children, adults, and seniors
- Specialize in cardiac, pulmonary, neurology, and more
- Start a healthcare business
- Work in a hospital, clinic, or hospice
- Specialize in military, disaster relief, or mission nursing
- Educate patients, families, and communities
- Teach nursing students and conduct research
- Pursue higher education by earning your master's degree in nursing through our MSN program
Types of Nurses
Nurses are in high demand. With the field constantly evolving and growing, there are a number of different types of nurses you can become. Nurses have the opportunity to specialize and pursue career paths such as:
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Cardiac Nurse
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Critical Care Nurse
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- ER Nurse
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Geriatric Nursing
- Pediatric Nurse
- Travel Nurse
- and more…
Our graduates work for medical facilities such as the American Red Cross, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the Department of Veteran Affairs, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical, UPMC, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, and WellSpan York Hospital.
Nursing Salary
How much do nurses earn? The median annual wage for registered nurses was $75,330 in May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Benefits of a Nursing Degree
Nursing is one of the fastest-growing jobs in healthcare. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment for nurses will grow by 7% over the next ten years. According to the BLS, "Registered nurses who have a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN) will have better job prospects than those without one. Employers also may prefer candidates who have some related work experience or certification in a specialty area."
In addition to job security in a growing field, a career in nursing offers a number of other benefits:
- Flexibility
- Wide variety of specialties
- Opportunities for full- or part-time employment
- Opportunities for advanced practice or graduate-level study
Our Career Development Center can help nursing students in their employment searches.
Internships & Work Experience
As part of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, you’ll complete five (5) full semesters of clinical coursework.
Fall Clinical Progression
- Clinical courses begin in fall of junior year
- Nine semesters: four general education, five clinical
- One semester with two science courses
- Average 13-14 credits per semester
- Two summer externships are possible
- YCP scholarships will cover nine semesters
- Best for students working more than 10 hours per week
- Works well for students who wish to have a minor
- Helpful for students who wish to play sports
- December Graduation
2017 and earlier | 2018 and later
Spring Clinical Progression
- Clinical courses begin in spring of sophomore year
- Eight semesters: three general education, five clinical
- Two semesters with two science courses
- Average 15-17 credits per semester
- One summer externship is possible
- YCP scholarships will cover eight semesters
- Best for students working less than 10 hours per week
- May Graduation
2017 and earlier | 2018 and later
Students may also apply for employer-based externships. These applications are typically submitted after junior year.
Mentorship & Community
In York College’s Nursing program, you’ll learn directly from faculty members — not teaching assistants. Our supportive professors are committed to your success, and all Nursing majors are assigned a Nursing faculty advisor.
BSN students also build connections among one another, with peer tutoring available in sophomore- and junior-level Nursing courses. Many students also participate in SNAP (Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania), a pre-professional organization open to all Nursing majors.
Getting Your Registered Nursing License
Students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses) exam at the end of the BSN degree program.
If you are considering initial licensure in a state other than Pennsylvania post-graduation, it is highly recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing agency in your state for information on requirements before beginning the nursing program at York College of Pennsylvania. For additional guidance and state licensing board contact information, please review this Licensure Requirements document.
Clinical Skills and Core Competencies
Nursing majors who are candidates for the Bachelor of Science degree:
- Use knowledge from the arts, sciences, humanities, and the discipline of nursing in nursing practice to assist individuals and groups from diverse populations to adapt to changing health states throughout the life span.
- Provide safe holistic nursing interventions to individuals and groups in a therapeutic manner that acknowledges and accommodates diversity.
- Facilitate learning for individuals and groups about health and activities that support a healthy environment.
- Use leadership skills and ethical principles to foster and advocate for the provision of high-quality nursing services to individuals and groups.
- Utilize critical thinking skills to implement the nursing process in a caring and professional manner.
- Incorporate research and evidence-based findings to advance clinical excellence in nursing practice.
- Communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrate use of technology and nursing informatics.
- Utilize resources and strategies that support lifelong learning and professional growth.
Related Healthcare Minors
Students who pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing often choose complementary minors or secondary degrees. These include:
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, the master's degree program in nursing, and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at York College of Pennsylvania are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Nursing Courses
Your class schedule will include core courses for your major, Gen Next general education classes, and electives.
| Course Name | Course Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Principles of General and Organic Chemistry | CHM 122/123 | 4 Credits |
| Pharmacology for Nurses | NUR 203 | 2 Credits |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I | BIO 220/221 | 4 Credits |
| Research and Professional Nursing Practice | NUR 314 | 3 Credits |
Careers in Nursing
A bachelor’s degree in Nursing opens up a variety of career opportunities. Some of your options may include:
Registered Nurse
Critical Care Nurse
Emergency Room Nurse
Geriatric Nurse
Pediatric Nurse
Travel Nurse
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